licensing and certification program

Certified Nurse Assistant Frequently Asked Questions

Equivalency (Including Foreign Nursing Transcripts)

How do I apply for equivalency?

If you are presently enrolled in (or completed) a Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Licensed Psychiatric Technician program, have received medical training in military services, or have received the above license(s) from a foreign country or U.S. state, you may not have to take further training and may qualify to take the Competency Evaluation. You must complete and submit the following to CDPH:
1) Certified Nurse Assistant Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (CDPH 283 E).
2) Obtain your fingerprints in California utilizing a Live Scan Agency and submit a copy of the completed Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016). Please also download the Request for Live Scan Service Sample (BCIA 8016 Sample), which will show you how to correctly complete the BCIA 8016 form.
3) An official, sealed transcript of training (students may substitute the official transcript with a sealed official school letter, listing equivalent training and the completion of at least the "Fundamentals of Nursing" course). The letter must include the completion date(s) of the training/courses and hours/units completed. If discharged from the military, a copy of the DD-214 can substitute for an official transcript.
4) Proof of work (paystub or W2) showing the applicant has provided nursing or nursing-related services in a facility to residents for compensation under the supervision of a licensed health professional within the last two (2) years. Proof of work is not required for current nursing students or if the college degree was obtained within the last two (2) years.

Upon completion of the above requirements, the applicant will be sent information regarding the Competency Evaluation examination. You must allow a minimum of sixty (60) days for CDPH to receive your examination results from the testing vendor. Once you have successfully passed the examination, maintained criminal record clearance, and the results from the testing vendor have been received, CDPH will issue a current CNA certificate.

Do foreign transcripts have to be submitted in a sealed envelope?

Unofficial foreign transcripts are accepted by the Department of Public Health. Please do not send originals. A photocopy of the foreign transcript will be accepted.

Do I have to provide proof of work?

You must provide proof of work if you completed the Fundamentals of Nursing or nursing degree over two (2) years ago. You must provide a paystub or W2 indicating you have provided nursing or nursing-related services in a facility to residents for compensation under the supervision of a licensed health professional within the last two (2) years.

When will my application be processed?

Please refer to our Processing Times page for current timeframes. Contacting the Department of Public Health before the indicated timeframe can cause additional delays.

What are the processing fees?

There are no processing fees for your application.

How do I submit my application package?

You must mail in your application package to:
Att: HPCTS
P.O. Box 997416 MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416

Can I drop off my application at your office?

Unfortunately, the California Department of Public Health does not have a public counter.

If I overnight/certify mail you my equivalency application, how long will it take to process?

Sending the equivalency application by overnight/certified mail will expedite the mailing time, but not the processing time. Equivalency applications are processed in date order received. Please refer to the Processing Times for the current time frame. It is recommended to send application packet via regular UPS.

I have a background check from my employer; can I use it to fulfill the CNA certification requirement?

No, you must specifically live-scan for the Department of Public Health.

What is the CNA background check looking for in my background?

The background check will be looking for any unlawful activities; any abuse against law, property and others.

Can I submit the printed background check report I received for the CNA Program to fulfill the requirement?

No, the CDPH require the background check results electronically from the Department of Justice.

How long will it take to for me to be granted criminal clearance?

Records are reviewed on a case by case basis, therefore there is no standard processing time frames.

What do I do if my CNA Program background check is denied?

The denial letter you receive will provide you with the steps to clear up any discrepancies.

I passed the CNA exam when will I receive my certificate?

Please contact the Department of Public Health at (916) 327-2445, if it has been over sixty (60) days since you passed the exam and have not received your certificate.

How long can I work after passing the exam, without receiving my certificate?

You may work up to 120 days as a Nurse Assistant while certification requirements are pending.

Why is my certificate valid for longer than two (2) years?

The initial CNA/HHA certificate is issued for two birthdays, not two years, and will expire on your birthday. Each year of the certification period will be from one birthday to the following birthday, any additional time from the issue date until the first birthday will be counted towards the first year of the certification period.